Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) is still located in the Lincoln Park Student Center, on the DePaul University campus. Catholic and Non-Catholic students are encouraged to participate in the CCM community in a number of ways. They can participate in Sunday Night Mas​s​, attend weekend retreats, join peer-led groups discussing many topics, or enjoy free food and discussion at the weekly Cafecito con Tepeyac. This as always been a great way for every DePaul Blue Demon to engage with the welcoming, faith-filled community of CCM.
As an Alumni I am still involved with CCM so when Sister Catherine asked me to be one of the chaperones on an upcoming camping retreat at Camp Reinberg, Palatine, IL., a retreat focused on climate change and our Christian responsibility to get involved. Taking an in-depth look at the climate science and Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato SÃ. A weekend of relaxing in nature while reflecting on the Vincentian question, "What Must Be Done?" Set in the oak woods of historic Deer Grove, Camp Reinberg provides access to miles of trails, beautiful landscapes and many recreation opportunities.
I agreed to go on the trip it was hard to say no to Sister Catherine we had attended DePaul at the same time we were friends. She choose to serve a higher calling while I choose to practice law but we remained close friends.
There were twelve of us in total Sister Catherine and I with ten students all young woman. We set up five tents on three campsites deep in the woods with a small path of travel to and around the campsite, a raised fire pit. a picnic table, bathroom/shower building with a changing area was a little ways down a side trail.
Sister Catherine and I were sharing one of the tents and the young woman split the other four. After setting up our campsite we changed into our hiking gear. The camp provided us with camping adventure backpacks for free that include binoculars, trail guides, a compass, bottle water and a list of activities.
Sister Catherine led the hike and discussion pointing out the hidden beauty in nature. I walked behind the group making sure we didn't lose anyone. The hot summer day was perfect for a hike the trails are relatively flat and there was enough variety in the landscapes that we easily spent the day hiking.
Returning to the campsite I started a fire in the fire pit preparing to cook for our small group. The students taking turns walking to the shower house in groups of two and three. Watching them their hot bodies walking with towels in hand to the shower house. Imaging them soaping each others wet naked bodies wishing I was twenty again.
"How's the fire coming?" Sister Catherine's sweet voice snapping me out of the lesbian fantasy playing in my head.